HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the TTC Silent Red both stand out for their unique characteristics. The Hyacinth V2, a linear switch, is renowned for its crisp top-out sound and deep 'clack' that offers a resonant and satisfying acoustic experience. It is a top choice for enthusiasts seeking depth in auditory feedback and is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', and 'Snappy'. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red, also a linear switch, prides itself on delivering a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noisy distractions. Perfect for office or shared living spaces, this switch has a muted sound profile and provides a smooth, consistent feel from top to bottom. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished', the Silent Red offers a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. While both switches have their own unique benefits, it's essential to delve deeper beyond these generalities to determine the best switch for your individual needs and preferences.

By the numbers

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the TTC Silent Red, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the differences may lie in the feel and sound when pressing down on the switch, as the top housing can influence the sound upon releasing a key.

On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of both the Hyacinth V2 and Silent Red provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound which results in a duller and rounder sound. While the top housing impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Despite the similarities in using nylon for the bottom housing, the differences in sound and feel are likely to be more noticeable between the two switches due to the split qualities between the top and bottom housings.

Overall, both the Hyacinth V2 and the Silent Red offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. While the polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and high-pitched sound, the nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller typing experience. The contrasts between the two switches can be attributed to the different impacts of the top and bottom housings on the sound and feel of pressing down and releasing keys. However, users can expect similar results in terms of the distinct characteristics each housing material brings to the overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we find that both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Hyacinth V2 has a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams, while the Silent Red has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This means that while both switches will feel the same when initially pressing a key, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 will provide a lighter overall typing experience compared to the TTC Silent Red. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Hyacinth V2 would be the better option. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and sturdy typing feel may opt for the TTC Silent Red with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the TTC Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Hyacinth V2. The difference may seem minimal, but it can contribute to the overall feel and performance of the switch. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Hyacinth V2, while those who prefer a bit more depth and feedback may lean towards the TTC Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style. Despite the slight difference in travel distance, both switches are designed to provide a smooth and reliable typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 offers a clacky experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp, bright, and percussive quality. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red provides a muted sound profile, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards for a softer and quieter typing experience. If you prefer a more resonant and satisfying acoustic feedback, the Hyacinth V2 may be the choice for you, whereas if you prioritize a quieter environment, the Silent Red is the way to go.

Moving on to feel, the Hyacinth V2 is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These qualities indicate a smooth, refined, and responsive feel when pressing the keys, enhanced by lubrication and smooth key travel. Conversely, the TTC Silent Red is characterized by a buttery, mild, and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you're looking for a seamless and effortless typing sensation, the Silent Red may be more suited to your preferences.

Considering all the available information, the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 and the TTC Silent Red offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. While the Hyacinth V2 delivers a clacky sound and a creamy, polished feel for enthusiasts seeking depth and responsiveness, the Silent Red provides a muted sound and a buttery, mild feel for a quieter and gentler typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound level and typing feel, ensuring that you can achieve your desired auditory and tactile feedback when choosing the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

In closing, when considering whether to choose the Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 linear switch or the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for sound and feel. If you are looking for a switch that offers a deep and clacky sound with a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, or snappy typing feel, then the Hyacinth V2 may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a muted sound profile and a buttery, mild, or polished typing feel, then the Silent Red switch would be more suitable for your needs. Consider the environment you will be using the keyboard in and the type of typing experience you prefer when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your desired typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

HMX Sillyworks Hyacinth V2 Linear

$3.50

$2.91 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more